Botox (Botulinum Toxin A)
Botulinum toxin A was officially released in 1989 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetic treatment. In addition to the so-called frown lines between the eyebrows, botulinum toxin A is also used to treat forehead wrinkles and "laugh lines" around the eyes. It does this by blocking the transmission of signals from the nerve to the muscle and weakens the muscle affected (completely, if desired). The paralysed muscles reduce the skin's ability to contract, thus reducing the formation of wrinkles. The effect usually occurs after 2-4 days, and lasts for up to 6 months. Through the easy and fast application of the botulinum toxin and and its lasting effect, the treatment has become the most popular non-surgical treatment applied in aesthetic surgery.
As it is extremely effective, the use of BTX-A is very popular for treating the increased function of sweat glands (primary axillary hyperhidrosis) - even with summer temperatures or strong physical exertion, sweating under the armpits is significantly reduced. This can be very liberating for the patient and the effect can last up to 6 months. The application of botulinum toxin is carried by local action of an effective pain-relieving ointment. The first effect occurs hours after application and unfolds completely after about 2-4 days. If you are interested in treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox) in London, please read the detailed information on botulinum toxin Botox wrinkle treatment.
Wrinkle good bye
The main questions regarding botulinum toxin (Botox), Dysport
- What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a very useful drug. The medicine is naturally produced by the bacterium Clostridium protein and is used in the treatment of various diseases. They range from ophthalmology to relieve spasms of the eye muscles and in neurology for the treatment of stroke patients. Migraines can also be treated successfully with botulinum toxin. More recently this drug has been utilised in the treatment of facial wrinkles.
- How exactly does Botox work?
Botox works by acting on the end plate of the nerves and blocking the distribution of neurotransmitters responsible for muscle contraction. This helps to relax the facial muscles. With early application the formation of wrinkles is decreased by preventing extreme skin movements, and existing wrinkles are smoothed.
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How botulinum toxin is used?
Botulinum toxin should be handled by an experienced doctor like Dr Dirk Kremer. A very thin needle is injected into muscles that constantly contract and cause wrinkles as a result. The application is an outpatient procedure carried out under sterile conditions and takes only a few minutes. This application of botulinum toxin (Botox) has been practiced in the U.S. and Europe for many years. Numerous medical publications demonstrate it to be a reliable and successful treatment.
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How fast and how long does botulinum toxin (Botox) last?
A decrease in fold structure in the treated facial area becomes evident after 3 to 7 days. The muscle relaxation lasts about 3 to 6 months due to the lower activity of the treated facial muscles simultaneously preventing the emergence of new ageing features. The long-standing use of Botox can lead to atrophy of the treated muscle occurring. Even without Botox treatment then leads to a reduced strength of muscle contraction and thereby decrease wrinkling.
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What are the benefits of botulinum toxin?
Botox is gentle, safe and it delivers a natural look. Botox has a long-lasting effect. One can repeatedly apply Botox. It is effective against wrinkles without surgery or anaesthesia.
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What risks may arise in the application?
After injection, adjacent nerves and blood vessels are injured. Consequences are small bruises under the skin but these often heal on their own and require no treatment. Paraesthesia or Dysaesthesia (numb or painful skin) are usually only temporary and relieve themselves. However in some individual cases, symptoms may persist. Be aware of the possibility for infections at the injection site, dry skin in the area of injection (which disappears after a short time by itself), temporary weakening of other muscles in the area surrounding the injection site, mild allergic reactions such as swelling, itching or skin rash and headaches, which usually disappear after a short time.
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What rules are to be observed after treatment with botulinum toxin?
Avoid massaging the treated areas and remain in an upright position for 3-4 hours after injection. Contract the muscle groups repeatedly during the 3-4 hours after treatment as the toxin in actively moving muscles has a better effect. These are precautions that many physicians advise their patients worldwide. However, further studies and observations for final clarification of the effectiveness of these precautions are necessary.
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What are the possible complications with the treatment of botulinum toxin?
Possible hypersensitivity to any component.
Generalised disorders of muscle activity (e.g. myasthenia gravis).
Local infections of the injection sites.
No application during and up to 3 days after end of treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics or spectinomycin.
You should discuss with your surgeon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What are the other benefits of Botox?
Botox can be used in many different areas of the body with variable benefits.
1. Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)Hyperhidrosis is the official term for those who sweat constantly from the underarms, hands, feet, groin and face. Botox simply blocks the nerves from reaching the sweat glands - it decreases the chemical reaction between the two.
How many treatments will I need?
As with Botox for the face, the results can last a few months.
However, the treatment longevity varies from person to person. This is because there is different metabolic responses in the way we break down Botox that’s an inherent thing between individuals.
2. Jawline definition - The Nefertiti Lift
Unlike dermal fillers which are used to replace lost volume in the jowls and build back up a supporting structure, Botox is used to relax specific key muscles such that the shape of the jawline is improved through tightening or lifting.
How does it work?
The Nefertiti Lift technique consists of a series of Botox injections carefully and precisely administered in two areas:
- Along the lower jaw line
- Into the neck area muscles
- The administration in the jawline also helps to reduce Bruxism. which is a habit is broadly characterised by grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw that causes tooth wear and breakage, disorders of the jaw (pain and limited movement) and headache.
3. Botox for Neck bands
Neck bands are vertical bands that are made when the muscles are tightened under the neck skin. If you’re particularly expressive with your neck (for example, you grimace a lot, clench your teeth or you hold tension in your neck), you might notice that you have prominent neck bands. Genetics and body size can also make neck bands more visible.
Neck bands require very small injections of Botox and Azzalure, which help the bands relax. This treatment is known as the Nefertiti neck lift, as it helps smooth out the neck bands and creates a slender and attractive appearance.
4. Migraine treatment
Botox has now been FDA approved for the treatment of migraines. Botox to treat chronic migraines is given at intervals of about 12 weeks as multiple injections around the head and neck to try to dull future migrainous features, such as nausea, extreme head pain, light or noise sensitivity, pulsating or lateralised pain.
How does it work in migraine?
It is thought that botulinum toxin gets into the small nerves that carry pain from the head to the brain, known as C-fibres. This reduces the amount of chemicals released from the nerve ending and therefore interrupts the feedback pathway that perpetuates migraine and headache.
How is it done?
Botox is given as a series of 31 to 39 tiny (0.1 ml) injections under the skin or into the muscles in and around the head of the forehead, above the ears, and into the neck and shoulders. The injections are repeated every 12 weeks until the patient no longer has chronic migraine, or until it is clear that treatment is not working. Normally a response is seen after the first or second set of injections; only about one in ten people respond to a third set of injections if the first two sets fail.
Book a Consultation
Dr Kremer conducts virtual consultations via WhatsApp or Zoom and in-person consultations at our office in Harley Street, London. If you would like to book a consultation, or would like more information, simply get in touch with us via phone, email or through our contact form and we will schedule a date and time for your consultation.